new to MTB'ing looking for tips

li4mc

Hey I've just got myself a bike and I'm just looking for some tips on how to get into it and what I need to buy ect.

Any tips please

warpcow

There were a whole load of "beginner's guide to mtb'ing" features on BR this year. Probably the best place to start for riding tips. Tell us where you are and people can give you tips about where to go, etc.

KulaBen

Li4mc,
Hello and well done you have come to the right place. Bikeradar had a number of 'mountain biking for beginners' articles on here recently- i'm sure if you search you'll find them. Also you'll find loads of info on here on clothing/accesories/components that have been tested both by the guys who write the magazines and the rest of us who head out at the weekends.
Things I have learnt:
1, Comfortable contact points make all the distance- make sure you have warm hands and feet (especially in this sort of weather) and your arse is comfy too. It's worth spending a bit more on quality padded shorts, gloves and shoes. Try before you buy as fit varies a lot from manufacturers. Also it's worth investing in a decent waterproof.
2, Take a while to get your bike set up properly so again you are comfortable. If you bought it from a shop they should go through set up with you, but even so it takes a while to get the saddle at the right hieght, your reach to the bars comfy, that sort of thing. Keep tweaking it all until it feels right.
3, Really really worthwhile having a lesson if you are serious about getting into mountain biking. They'll be able to take you through basics like setting up your bike, braking, balancing, climbing and descending. I've had lessons from Peter Morton at peak mtb and he was great-http://www.peakmtb.co.uk/ i'm sure there will be people local to you too if the peaks is too far, a lot of the trail centres offer them too.
4, When you head out make sure you have the following- mobile/wallet in case you get lost, pump, innertube/puncture repair kit, multi-tool, food and drink. Let people know where you are going and when you'll be back if you are heading out alone.
5, Always, ALWAYS, wear a helmet. Always. I came off the other day and put a large dent in mine, I doubt i'd be able to type this if I hadn't had one on. It doesn't have to be fancy, just well fitting and comfortable, again your local bike shop will see you right.

No doubt you'll have loads of advice winging your way now. The main thing is enjoy!
Happy trails

Ben

li4mc

Thanks for the advise. I'm just wondering what clothing I should be wearing (for dry riding) thanks

Pudseyp

In this weather, decent gloves such as Endura Dexter or Sealskins, a warm base layer such as an Endura Baa Baa, 3/4 shorts such as Endura Hummvee and a decent waterproof coat ahain Endura or Altura....do not scrimp on clothing if you do it may come back to haunt you...oh and don't forget Sealskin waterproof socks..

bails87

Specific bike clothing is nice, but more expensive. You can get by just fine with general sports stuff.

cooldad

Pudseyp wrote:

In this weather, decent gloves such as Endura Dexter or Sealskins, a warm base layer such as an Endura Baa Baa, 3/4 shorts such as Endura Hummvee and a decent waterproof coat ahain Endura or Altura....do not scrimp on clothing if you do it may come back to haunt you...oh and don't forget Sealskin waterproof socks..

Errrr he specifically said dry riding.

Ignore everything. Get a helmet, some shorts or trackpants if it's cold. Woolly gloves work fine especially if they have fleecy linings. Shoes or it hurts your feet, ride and worry about the details later.

piker

What cooldad says, as you get more into it you will buy stuff you need, not what you want/think you need.

Usually_Lurking

For the most part I just wear cotton t-shirts (yes, even in winter) and bog standard cargo type shorts. All you really need is the bike, a helmet for when you dont see that low hanging branch, and a sense of adventure.

Other bits and pieces you'll pick up along the way.